Clark Intermediate School will retain its long-time mascot, “the Chieftain,” after the school district worked with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians to get the depiction approved.

California law requires all public schools from using Native American mascots unless it gets approval from a local, federally recognized tribe, according to a news release from the district.

On Friday, the district’s governing board received authorization from North Fork Rancheria Vice Chairperson Fred Beihn.

“I’m grateful for deep conversations this process has allowed us to have with our Native American community and the community at large,” said Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer.

“This dialogue has deepened our understanding of how important it is that we honor and respect our local Nativ

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